RTA plans pension scheme for auto drivers
Times of India: The Regional Transport Authority has proposed a pension scheme for the 75,000-odd autorickshaw drivers in Pune and Solapur cities, which will provide them with up to Rs 1,250 per month after the age of 55 years.
According to regional transport officer Chandrakant Kharatmal, the scheme, proposed by divisional commissioner Dilip Band, is in its preliminary stage. The details are being worked out and a draft would be sent to the state government for approval, he told TOI.
Pension scheme is necessary for rickshaw drivers as they do not get much benefits after they leave their occupation, Kharatmal said.
Kharatmal said that, at present, the 60,000-odd autorickshaw drivers in the city collectively pay an amount of over Rs 3 crore to insurance companies. Of this amount, only Rs 5 lakh is claimed every year for damages. “The proposed pension scheme is to be started by utilising the insurance amount,” Kharatmal said.
The RTA was discussing the pension scheme with various autorickshaw unions, Kharatmal said, adding that separate discussion with insurance companies would also be necessary.
As per the proposal, an autorickshaw driver would be able to get a monthly pension of up to Rs 1,250 once he reaches 55 years of age, RTA member Baba Shinde said. After the age of 60 years, the amount would increase to Rs 2,000 per month. Those who participate in the scheme would also be eligible for home loans and autorickshaw loans at low rates, Shinde added.
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